The New Orleans Saints excited many fans when it was reported that they hosted Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah on a free agent visit. Ansah was an accomplished pass rusher and former first round draft pick for the Detroit Lions, and the Saints were just the second team to get a meeting with him once free agency began. But a report from Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune suggests fans should temper hopes of a quick signing.
Per Katzenstein’s report, the Saints and other potential suitors are focused on thoroughly evaluating the shoulder injury that cut Ansah’s 2018 season short. Ansah appeared in just seven games in 2018 before landing on injured reserve in December, but he still logged four sacks and seven other quarterback hits. His talent was on clear display despite the injury hindering his activity.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane beat the Saints to the punch and met with Ansah first, but he didn’t come away from that visit expressing enthusiasm: “Yeah, we visited with Ziggy. Great young man. Did all that stuff. He’ll continue on that. Nothing to do, but enjoyed visiting with Ziggy.” It’s notable that Beane leaves his comments open-ended but doesn’t acknowledge Ansah’s injury history, or suggest a signing in the future.
